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For some odd reason, songs by the 1980s pop star Terence Trent D’Arby played in a continuous loop through my head while I was designing the Hearts Collection.

Why him? I listened to his soulful groove years ago when I was a printmaker, singing along while I worked. I haven’t listened to his music in a long time, though. How interesting that he’s back in my head.

D’Arby’s song, “Sign Your Name” is on brain repeat because it’s the perfect ode to love, full of passion and promises. And a few shoo-d wop wops added in the chorus. Love it.

This led me to reflect on loves won and lost. The first crush, the first kiss, the first heartbreak. For each occasion, I had a favorite song that was playing on the radio, and they are forever entwined. Whenever I hear those songs now, the old emotions come up. The songs are my soundtrack to love.

This may sound crazy, but I am actually looking forward to winter this year.

I am a prairie girl at heart. I was raised in Northern Manitoba, and left for the more temperate climes of Southern Ontario in my early 20's. I remember the brilliant blue skies, dancing northern lights and pristine snowfalls that came with the winter weather. Yes, I am choosing to forget the gale-force winds, snow piled as high as the eves troughs, and frostbitten fingers and toes. Northern winters are breath-catching cold, but there is also such incredible beauty.

The big, big sky and flat prairie fields sparked a deep love of minimalism in me; an aesthetic that is an integral part of my life and work. And in the spirit of nostalgia, I created our holiday collection with those blustery Canadian prairie winters in mind. The designs reflect the colours I remember – white, blue, grey, and dashes of brown. And of course snow plays a starring role.

Yes, winter is coming, and along with it the delights of the season. Meanwhile, time to kick up the last of the leaves, enjoy the crisp evenings, and start planning the coming days of festivities.